Your generous support helps our students cover some of the costs of their education so that they can focus on becoming prepared to serve Christ in the Church and the world.
Editors note: This letter is written by Rev. Dr. Roy Peterson, President of the Concordia University Foundation. Learn more about the Concordia Fund here.
May the joy and light of this Christmas season be with you and your family. Here at Concordia University, we are ready and awaiting the birth of our Savior. The semester is winding down as we pause and reflect on Concordia’s many blessings, not least of which are our alumni, donors, partners, and friends such as you.
In the spirit of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol, I invite you to reflect with me on Christmas past, present, and future at Concordia University. I recently asked some of our current and former faculty and staff members to share why Christmas time at Concordia is special to them.
His Son, given for us
When we think about Christmas past at Concordia, a common theme surfaces, namely that above all else, Christmas points us to God’s gift of His Son, given for us. It’s that gift that gives Christmas its true meaning. Dr. Elizabeth Polzin, assistant vice president of academics, shares her perspective:
“Christmas time at Concordia is always special to me because it’s a time where, as a community, we come together to celebrate the birth of Christ. Through Chapel, ensemble performances, and devotions, Concordia recognizes the significance of Christmas time within our Christian faith. You can’t help but feel the joy during this special time of year!”
Concordia Christmas traditions resume
In the present, 2021 is a special time on our Concordia campuses. After the disruptions caused by the pandemic last year, we are thrilled to be able to again welcome our alumni, parents, and friends back to campus for our Christmas musical celebrations. These joyous occasions are part of what makes Concordia distinctive, yes, even uncommon. Chair of the music department, Dr. Lou Menchaca, shares:
“The greatest thing about the Christmas at Concordia event (other than the music) is the fellowship! Students, parents, faculty, staff, friends and community coming together to celebrate a communal and binding event.”
While the rest of the world is consumed with on-time delivery and supply chain bottlenecks, we relax in the true gifts of the season and give thanks to God.
Your generous support blesses our students
And the future? By God’s grace, we have been able to provide students with an overtly Christ-centered education as they prepare for one of the many vocations Concordia offers. But without a doubt, we could not do it without you. Your generous support helps our students cover some of the costs of their education so that they can focus on becoming prepared to serve Christ in the Church and the world.
You are an important part of our past, present, and future. Your gift today will help ensure that students can continue to grow in mind, body, and spirit. While many very worthy ministries will seek your support this season, my request is simply that you prayerfully consider how you can best be a blessing to the next generation of future pastors, teachers, and other professionals who are called to serve.
A very blessed and joy-filled Christmas to you and those you love.
In His service,
Rev. Dr. Roy Peterson
President, Concordia University Foundation
P.S. – Your gift today will bless our students both now and into the future.
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